State Pilgrims and Sacred Observers in Ancient Greece: A Study of Theōriā and Theōroi - Softcover

Rutherford, Ian

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1108729959 ISBN 13: 9781108729956

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2019

Synopsis

For at least a thousand years Greek cities took part in religious activities outside their territory by sending sacred delegates to represent them. The delegates are usually called theōroi, literally 'observers', and a delegation made up of theōroi, or the action of taking part in one, is called theōriā. This is the first comprehensive study of theōroi and theōriā. It examines a number of key functions of theōroi and explains who served in this role and what their activities are likely to have been, both on the journey and at the sanctuary. Other chapters discuss the diplomatic functions of theōroi, and what their activities tell us about the origins of the notion of Greek identity and about religious networks. Chapters are also devoted to the reception of the notion of theōriā in Greek philosophy and literature. The book will be essential for all scholars and advanced students of ancient religion.

About this title

Book Description:

The first comprehensive study of theōriā, the practice of Greek cities sending sacred delegates to common sanctuaries, which played a crucial role in religious culture for a thousand years. The book analyses its workings in detail, and engages with important issues such as religious networks, connectivity and the notion of Greek identity.

About the Author:

Ian Rutherford is Professor in the Classics Department, University of Reading. He works mostly on Greek poetry, Greek religion and relations between Greece and other cultures: chiefly the Hittites and Egypt. For fifteen years he has published a great deal on 'pilgrimage' in the ancient world (e.g. Pilgrimage in Graeco-Roman and Early Christian Antiquity: Seeing the Gods, co-edited with Jas Elsner, 2005) with a related interest in travelling poets (Wandering Poets in Ancient Greek Culture, co-edited with Richard Hunter, 2009). He has also published a full commentary on Pindar's Paeans (2001) and has another volume forthcoming on Hittite and Greek religion.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2019
• ISBN 10: 1108729959
• ISBN 13: 9781108729956
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 564